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agenouiller

to kneel (down)

verb ah-zhuh-noo-YEH Rare

Usage Note

Agenouiller is almost always used reflexively: s'agenouiller means 'to kneel down'. The non-reflexive form is rare. It is used both literally (kneeling in prayer or respect) and figuratively — s'agenouiller devant quelqu'un means 'to bow down to someone'. The noun is agenouillement.

Examples

"Il s'est agenouillé devant l'autel."

Natural Translation

He knelt before the altar.

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